GranFondo Canada has confirmed their calendar for 2013, which includes three granfondo cycling events in three of the most beautiful destinations in Canada. It is anticipated that the events will draw participants from across North America and around the globe.

The GranFondo Canada series begins with the second edition of the RBC GranFondo Banff, which will take place on Saturday, August 24th. The first of its kind to take place completely within the boundaries of a national park, the event starts and finishes in the beautiful mountain town of Banff, Alberta with a 142 kilometre route that will take cyclists into the heart of the Rockies to experience the awe-inspiring nature of Banff National Park.

The fourth annual RBC GranFondo Whistler will take place on Saturday, September 7th, with thousands of riders expected to participate in the epic 122 kilometre ride from downtown Vancouver to Whistler resort on the famed Sea to Sky Highway. This event has ranked as a top cycling experience and “must do” event since its inception in 2010.

The newest addition to the series is GranFondo Niagara Falls, which will take place on Saturday, September 14th. Starting and finishing adjacent to the world-famous Niagara Falls, the 125 kilometre route will take cyclists into the heart of the Niagara Region, including wine country, and several climbs of the Niagara Escarpment. This granfondo event will mark the largest mass-participation timed cycling event to ever take place in Niagara Falls and the culmination of over two years of planning.

Saturday, August 24

RBC GranFondo Banff

Banff, AB

Saturday, September 7

RBC GranFondo Whistler

Vancouver to Whistler, BC

Saturday, September 14

GranFondo Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, ON

“We’re delighted to be able to bring the GranFondo Canada experience to these three epic locations,” said Kevin Thomson, president of GranFondo Canada. “It’s going to be a fantastic season for cycling.”

One of the special elements that GranFondo Canada events promise is an unimpeded, dedicated lane-width that is free of motor vehicles from start to finish. Whether you are at the front of the pack or riding at the back, participants can expect an ‘express lane for cycling’. “It’s very unique and it requires a lot of hard work,” said Thomson, “but we feel the riders deserve it.”

Registration for the RBC GranFondo Whistler is now open at early bird rates. Registration for the Banff and Niagara Falls events will open on January 15, 2013.